Our tribute to Mr Lee Kuan Yew

Today, it is with heavy hearts that we mourn the passing of Singapore’s first prime minister and founding father, Mr Lee Kuan Yew. At age 91, he was no doubt still a man with sharp insight and wisdom, who continued to inspire his successors ever since he led our fledgling little island to a globally recognised country within a short span of time.

As the country’s longest-serving prime minister, Mr Lee was instrumental in paving the road since splitting from Malaysia in 1965 and gaining independence. His pragmatic, forward-looking and charismatic persona brought a nation with limited resources, a far from homogenous population and no common language to a thriving metropolis on the map.

As one of his sons, the current prime minister of Singapore, Lee Hsien Loong so aptly said this morning, “He fought for our independence, built a nation where there was none, and made us proud to be Singaporeans. We won’t see another man like him.”

Mr Lee was an eloquent man of resolute tenacity. His entire life went into building the nation from the ground up and even though it was delivered through a slew of now questionable ways, there’s no slighting the statistics and accomplishments the little red dot has to show on its shoulder. From transforming education, healthcare, transportation and infrastructure, amongst others, the visionary leader had only one goal in mind and that was to have Singapore on the lips of leaders worldwide. To be recognised as a strong city with an incorrupt outlook and not to be judged by its size.

Lee also quoted his father this morning with, “I have spent my life, so much of it, building up this country. There’s nothing more that I need to do. At the end of the day, what have I got? A successful Singapore. What have I given up? My life.”

On a personal note, I always remember my mom telling me when she first set foot on Singapore, from India, exactly on the day the nation celebrated its 13th year of independence on 9th August 1978. That particular moment for my mom was when she first witnessed how the country, with its potentially volatile ethnic mix, came together as one. For her that sight was comforting, knowing that she was in a city that was beautifully harmonious – which continues on till today, after 37 years.

So as the national flag flies at half mast this week and heartfelt messages of condolences continue to pour in, today we remember the man for his unparalleled passion, admirable astuteness and undeniably fervent spirit. Today, we celebrate his legacy.

The government has announced 7 days of national mourning. According to an official statement from the Prime Minister’s Office, “Mr Lee’s body will lie in state at Parliament House from Wednesday, March 25, to Saturday, March 28, for the public to pay their respects. Those who wish to pay their last respects at Parliament House can do so from 10 am to 8 pm daily.”

May you rest in peace Mr Lee Kuan Yew.

Tarandip Kaur